If you hear clicking, tapping, buzzing or hollow sounds coming from your walls, ceilings or timber structures, you could be dealing with a termite infestation.
Termites are one of the most destructive pests affecting Adelaide homes and businesses. Because termites often remain hidden inside walls, subfloors and timber framing, infestations can continue causing damage long before they become visible.
One of the lesser-known warning signs of termite activity is the sound termites make while feeding, tunnelling and communicating inside timber structures. If you suspect termite activity around your Adelaide property, it’s important to arrange a professional termite inspection Adelaide as soon as possible.
What Are Termites?
Termites are small wood-feeding insects that consume cellulose found in:
- timber
- wood framing
- cardboard
- paper products
- tree roots
- structural timber
Although commonly referred to as “white ants,” termites are different from ants and live in highly organised underground or timber-based colonies.
Subterranean termites are the most destructive termite species found in Adelaide and are responsible for significant structural damage across South Australian homes each year.
Learn more in our guide:
What Are Termites?
Can You Hear Termites In The Walls?
Yes. In some cases, termites can produce audible sounds inside walls, ceilings and timber structures.
Termites are active 24 hours a day and create sounds while:
- chewing timber
- tunnelling through wood
- moving through wall cavities
- communicating with the colony
Termite sounds are usually faint and easier to hear at night when the home is quiet.
The larger the termite infestation, the more noticeable the sounds may become.
What Do Termites Sound Like In Walls?
Different types of termite activity can produce different sounds throughout the home.
Clicking Sounds
As termites feed on timber and tunnel through wood, they often create faint clicking or rustling sounds inside walls.
These sounds may occur when worker termites chew through:
- wall framing
- floorboards
- roof timbers
- wooden structures
Clicking sounds are one of the more common noises associated with termite activity.
Tapping Sounds
Termites may also create faint tapping or rattling sounds.
This occurs when termites bang their heads or bodies against timber tunnels to communicate danger to the colony.
These vibrations help termites alert other colony members to disturbances or threats nearby.
Hollow Sounds In Timber
Termites consume timber from the inside out, leaving hollow spaces behind walls, floors and timber structures.
If timber sounds hollow when tapped, this may indicate hidden termite damage inside the material.
Hollow timber may occur around:
- door frames
- skirting boards
- flooring
- wall framing
- roof timbers
Buzzing & Swarming Sounds
Flying termites, also known as termite swarmers or alates, may create faint buzzing sounds during swarming season.
Swarming activity often occurs during:
- warm weather
- humid conditions
- spring and summer months
Swarms of flying termites around your Adelaide property may indicate a nearby mature termite colony.
Crunching Or Chewing Sounds
In larger infestations, you may hear soft crunching or chewing noises as termites feed on timber inside walls and flooring.
These sounds are usually more noticeable at night when surrounding household noise is reduced.
Is Termite Noise Constant?
Termites work continuously and do not sleep, meaning termite activity can occur day and night.
However, termite sounds are often easier to hear:
- late at night
- in quiet rooms
- near active infestations
- inside timber wall cavities
Termites may also become more active and noisy if disturbed.
Other Signs Of Termites In Adelaide Homes
Besides termite sounds, other warning signs of termite activity include:
- termite mud tunnels
- discarded termite wings
- bubbling paint
- hollow timber
- tight-fitting doors and windows
- visible timber damage
- sagging floors
- mud spotting on walls
You can learn more in our guide:
A Comprehensive Guide To Termite Mud Tunnels
What Should You Do If You Hear Termites?
If you suspect termite activity inside your walls or timber structures:
- avoid disturbing affected areas
- do not spray household insecticides
- arrange a professional termite inspection
- investigate moisture issues around the property
Early termite detection can help reduce the risk of extensive structural damage and costly repairs.
Professional Termite Inspections Adelaide
EcoPest Group provides professional:
- termite inspections Adelaide
- termite control Adelaide
- termite treatments
- termite barriers
- pre-purchase termite inspections
Our Adelaide termite specialists can identify hidden termite activity, assess damage risks and develop tailored termite treatment solutions for your property.
If you suspect termites inside your walls, contact EcoPest Group to arrange a professional termite inspection today.